9 things to do this weekend in Des Moines include Luke Bryan, 'Moulin Rouge,' festivals

Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register

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48 Hour Film Project Best of Des Moines 2024

Thursday night: Des Moines’ own Oscars take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Fleur Cinema & Café, 4545 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. The 48 Hour Film Project Best of Des Moines 2024 takes over the cinema and celebrates 20 seasons with tickets starting at $20. Aside from seeing the top films, you can find out the winners as well and walk the red carpet like an A-lister.

World Food & Music Festival

Friday afternoon: Food from more than 30 countries is ready for purchase at the World Food & Music Festival at the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park at Western Gateway Park, 1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines. Find food and music from Jamaica and Japan, Greece and Germany, Pakistan and the Philippines. Each food booth will have a taste item as well as a small menu of dishes from their representative countries. The event includes cultural activities, chefs showing off their skills, and musicians and dancers. The festival is free to attend on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More: The World Food & Music Festival is this weekend. What to know before you go.

‘Moulin Rouge’

Harper Miles, Libby Lloyd, Nicci Claspell and Andres Quintero in the North American Tour of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."
Harper Miles, Libby Lloyd, Nicci Claspell and Andres Quintero in the North American Tour of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."

Friday night: The glitz, glamour and grandeur of Paris comes to life in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” where aristocrats and Bohemians alike play. The musical, set in the Montmartre Quarter during the Belle Epoque at the turn of the 20th century, tells the tale of composer Christian, who falls in love with cabaret actress Satine, the star of the Moulin Rouge. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, start at $40. See the show through Sept. 1.

Summer Artisans Fair

Saturday morning: Head to St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, for the Summer Artisans Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event brings more than 30 artists and crafters from the Des Moines metro who offer everything from silver and jewelry to handblown glass and quilting.

Iowa Wine & Cider Festival

Saturday afternoon: The Iowa Wine & Cider Festival comes to Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, from 1 to 4 p.m. More than 20 Iowa wineries and cideries showcase their products with unlimited samples, live music, food trucks, a tasting glass and more. Tickets start at $50.

Ingersoll Live

A new mural, depicting a koi fish, decorates a staircase near the intersection of 23rd Street and Ingersoll Avenue on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Des Moines. The mural, organized by The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, aims to boost walkability while contributing to a push in public art in the area. The koi fish was painted by Des Moines-based artists Jordan Sandquist and Chris Sullivan.

Saturday afternoon: A big block party takes over 2300 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines during Ingersoll Live from 3 to 10 p.m. Find everything from art and music to food and entertainment at this free event. Find out more about vendors and musicians at theavenuesdsm.com.

DSM Gamer Jazz

Saturday night: Love jazz and gaming? Head to Colby Park, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights, for the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra playing a free show from 7 to 8 p.m. Hear tunes from legendary video games such as “Super Mario,” “Street Fighter,” and “Plants vs. Zombies.”

Iowa DemonHawks

The Iowa DemonHawks indoor professional soccer team started in Des Moines in late 2023.
The Iowa DemonHawks indoor professional soccer team started in Des Moines in late 2023.

Saturday night: See the professional soccer team the Iowa DemonHawks take on the Brazil National Team at Hy-Vee Hall at Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, in the first of three exhibition games. Tickets for the 7 p.m. match goes for $29.

Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan performs on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand stage during the fair on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 in Des Moines.
Luke Bryan performs on the Iowa State Fair Grandstand stage during the fair on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019 in Des Moines.

Saturday night: Country superstar Luke Bryan returns to Iowa after his Farm Tour, which included a show at the Schnell Family Farms in Colfax. The "American Idol" judge known for songs such as "Huntin," Fishin,' and Lovin'," "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)," "That's My Kind of Night," and "I Don't Want This Night To End" brings his “Mind of a Country Boy Tour” to the arena. Tickets to the 7 p.m. show at Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines, start at $39.75 at hyveetix.com. George Birge, Larry Fleet, and Chayce Beckham open the show.

Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Things to do this weekend in Des Moines: Luke Bryan, World Food & Music

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